Suthep vows to fight Thaksin regime from the streets

[webfact]

Suthep vows to fight Thaksin regime from the streets
Hataikarn Treesuwan
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- After 35 years with the Democrat Party, it appears that former deputy prime minister Suthep Thaugsuban is about to become one of the many antigovernment protest leaders.

When the Pheu Thai Party won the election, his belief that the Yingluck Shinawatra administration would try to exonerate ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra of his wrongdoings appeared to be justified.

In a countermove, he initiated a plan for his party to hold a series of "Reveal the Truth" rallies in each of Thailand's provinces. On August 7, when Parliament was deliberating the first reading of a governmentproposed amnesty bill, Suthep and other Democrat leaders led a protest march.

He is waiting for the bill to pass all three readings before launching another series of mass rallies called "Blow a Whistle". Before the planned "D-Day", Suthep spoke to The Nation's Hataikarn Treesuwan on his new role as a protester.

ARE YOU READY TO RESIGN AS A DEMOCRAT MP BEFORE LEADING ANTI-GOVERNMENT PROTESTS?

Resigning is not the issue. A lot of red-shirt leaders are in Parliament, so I do not need to [resign]. But I'm going to separate from the Democrat Party to fight with the people and stop the Thaksin regime. I cannot invite the Democrats to leave Parliament and protest with me, because the party has a long political history to uphold.

WILL YOU AND THE DEMOCRAT PARTY GO YOUR SEPARATE WAYS AFTER YOU "BLOW A WHISTLE" TO START THE MASS RALLIES?

I have not fallen out with the Democrat Party [laughing]. On that day [of the rallies], I will work with the protest leaders to fight for fairness. The mass rallies may even topple this puppet government. That's why the Democrat Party cannot protest with me. At that point, they will have to say goodbye to me.

WILL YOUR DEMOCRAT COLLEAGUES SEND YOU TO JOIN THE ANTI-GOVERNMENT PROTESTS AT URUPONG INTERSECTION, LUMPINI PARK, OR TO A NEW RALLY SITE?

They will not be involved in that decision - I will decide for myself. I have talked with some anti-government groups and we have agreed that our first priority is to fight the Thaksin regime. I don't know how many people are with us - I cannot count all the fish in the sea - but I know that I'm ready to join other anti-government groups. However, I will not kill and burn [use violence].

I have invited people to gather at city halls across the country, but it will be different from the behaviour of red-shirts during the protests three years ago [during the government-crackdown on protesters at Ratchaprasong in 2010].

Many people have said they appreciate my street campaigns and will follow me. Older generations will be my main supporters when it comes to occupying provincial halls. They will not bring guns, but will sit in the governor's office while chewing betel nut; they will sit in chairs and on the stairs - rejecting the authority of the current government. They will tell officials to stop being Thaksin's slaves and return home. "We will watch the town halls for you," that's what they will say.

YOUR FIRST GOAL IS TO SEIZE SURAT THANI'S PROVINCIAL HALL, RIGHT? [sUTHEP IS AN MP OF THE SOUTHERN PROVINCE.]

Of course, I will go to Surat Thani Provincial Hall - the police are preparing to welcome me. Many other people who agree with me will occupy other town halls. They will enter them - one by one - until they are full. We may also campaign for a nationwide strike and a ban on Shinawatra products.

WHAT IS THE WORST-CASE SCENARIO FOR YOU IN THIS FIGHT?

I may end up in jail or get injured, but I don't care. Who can say what will happen next? I'm not looking for glory, but I would feel guilty, if I did nothing. However, if I'm successful, then so will the Democrats. I don't think too much about succeeding [chuckling].

DO YOU THINK YOU WILL END YOUR 35-YEAR POLITICAL CAREER ON THE ROAD WITH ANTI-GOVERNMENT PROTESTERS?

Absolutely not! On August 7, I asked Khun Chuan [Chuan Leekpai, Democrat chief adviser] the same question when Democrat MPs led thousands of protesters from Urupong Intersection to Parliament to protest against the amnesty bill. He said he joined the rally without thinking about the consequences, but my path ahead will be a more difficult one.

I'm not asking anyone to join me - not even my younger brothers [MPs Shane Thaugsuban and Thani Thaugsuban]. I said to them, "It's your choice - your lives are your own."

-- The Nation 2013-10-26

[15Peter20]

So he says they won't act like red shirts but then openly calls for the seizure of town halls the length and breadth of the country. Are peaceful demonstrators both able and allowed to do that?

He's already started on a war footing with that announcement. the unknown factor is how much support he'll get nationwide. If yellow-associated anti-gov demos of recent months have been anything to go by, he might get away with occupying a few car parks and maybe a restaurant or two.

[whybother]

So he says they won't act like red shirts but then openly calls for the seizure of town halls the length and breadth of the country. Are peaceful demonstrators both able and allowed to do that?

He's already started on a war footing with that announcement. the unknown factor is how much support he'll get nationwide. If yellow-associated anti-gov demos of recent months have been anything to go by, he might get away with occupying a few car parks and maybe a restaurant or two.

Where is the violence in sitting on steps and in offices?

Sent from my HTC Desire HD A9191 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[JoeThePoster]

Reveal The Truth

Can't wait to hear Suthep's version.

[15Peter20]

So he says they won't act like red shirts but then openly calls for the seizure of town halls the length and breadth of the country. Are peaceful demonstrators both able and allowed to do that?

He's already started on a war footing with that announcement. the unknown factor is how much support he'll get nationwide. If yellow-associated anti-gov demos of recent months have been anything to go by, he might get away with occupying a few car parks and maybe a restaurant or two.

Where is the violence in sitting on steps and in offices?

Sent from my HTC Desire HD A9191 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

The violence would only come if those people were legally asked to leave but didn't. There are precedents for this happening.

Would you not agree that having lots of people sitting on steps and offices in civic administrative centers would cause a hindrance to the proper running of those places?

[whybother]

So he says they won't act like red shirts but then openly calls for the seizure of town halls the length and breadth of the country. Are peaceful demonstrators both able and allowed to do that?

He's already started on a war footing with that announcement. the unknown factor is how much support he'll get nationwide. If yellow-associated anti-gov demos of recent months have been anything to go by, he might get away with occupying a few car parks and maybe a restaurant or two.

Where is the violence in sitting on steps and in offices?

Sent from my HTC Desire HD A9191 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

The violence would only come if those people were legally asked to leave but didn't. There are precedents for this happening.

Would you not agree that having lots of people sitting on steps and offices in civic administrative centers would cause a hindrance to the proper running of those places?

It would cause a hindrance. Isn't that the idea of most protests? Does that mean that they're violent?

Have you never heard of civil disobedience?

Sent from my HTC Desire HD A9191 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[jonclark]

So he says they won't act like red shirts but then openly calls for the seizure of town halls the length and breadth of the country. Are peaceful demonstrators both able and allowed to do that?

He's already started on a war footing with that announcement. the unknown factor is how much support he'll get nationwide. If yellow-associated anti-gov demos of recent months have been anything to go by, he might get away with occupying a few car parks and maybe a restaurant or two.

Where is the violence in sitting on steps and in offices?

Sent from my HTC Desire HD A9191 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

The violence would only come if those people were legally asked to leave but didn't. There are precedents for this happening.

Would you not agree that having lots of people sitting on steps and offices in civic administrative centers would cause a hindrance to the proper running of those places?

I think causing a hindrance to the running of the place is the whole point. It would be a pretty pointless demonstration if officials were able to work as normal. Both the PAD and UDD were successful with their respective protests at Survnabumbhi and Ratchaprasong because of the 'hinderance' they caused. Wouldn't you agree?

Edited October 26, 2013 by jonclark

[ramrod711]

So he says they won't act like red shirts but then openly calls for the seizure of town halls the length and breadth of the country. Are peaceful demonstrators both able and allowed to do that?

He's already started on a war footing with that announcement. the unknown factor is how much support he'll get nationwide. If yellow-associated anti-gov demos of recent months have been anything to go by, he might get away with occupying a few car parks and maybe a restaurant or two.

Where is the violence in sitting on steps and in offices?

Sent from my HTC Desire HD A9191 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

The violence would only come if those people were legally asked to leave but didn't. There are precedents for this happening.

Would you not agree that having lots of people sitting on steps and offices in civic administrative centers would cause a hindrance to the proper running of those places?

Perhaps not as much as burning them down

[Roadman]

His endeavor is justifiably valid but I do not think he will be very successful. He is tarred with the recent political mess along with all the other main players of the last 13 odd years. The only person currently in view out of all the main players that has the peoples following that could lead a major change in Thailand for the better is the forked tongue of a Dubai convicted criminal. Great leaders or game changers do not need to be professionally efficient. Sometimes all they need is a vision of something that could be a lot better. However the pretty drama queen puppet would need to find the strength and wisdom that water views clearer than that of blood.

[mca]

Older generations will be my main supporters when it comes to occupying provincial halls. They will not bring guns, but will sit in the governor's office while chewing betel nut; they will sit in chairs and on the stairs

"Because they've got nowhere else to go since I gave the land title deeds under the Sor Por Kor scheme that should have been theirs to some rich bastards."

[h90]

His endeavor is justifiably valid but I do not think he will be very successful. He is tarred with the recent political mess along with all the other main players of the last 13 odd years. The only person currently in view out of all the main players that has the peoples following that could lead a major change in Thailand for the better is the forked tongue of a Dubai convicted criminal. Great leaders or game changers do not need to be professionally efficient. Sometimes all they need is a vision of something that could be a lot better. However the pretty drama queen puppet would need to find the strength and wisdom that water views clearer than that of blood.

Yes he is tarred, but in the South he still is respected. And the southern people are so angree with the government that they can be mobilized easily.

If he can do something in Bangkok is a complete different question.

[waza]

A good man that not prepared to sit idly by while and watch evil succeed.

[smutcakes]

A good man that not prepared to sit idly by while and watch evil succeed.

I am sure you will get a few bites on that one.

[gabruce]

His endeavor is justifiably valid but I do not think he will be very successful. He is tarred with the recent political mess along with all the other main players of the last 13 odd years. The only person currently in view out of all the main players that has the peoples following that could lead a major change in Thailand for the better is the forked tongue of a Dubai convicted criminal. Great leaders or game changers do not need to be professionally efficient. Sometimes all they need is a vision of something that could be a lot better. However the pretty drama queen puppet would need to find the strength and wisdom that water views clearer than that of blood.

and would the major change that the Dubai convicted criminal make be good for the country - I think emphatically NOT!!!!

[SuwadeeS]

Why does he is not in jail, yet?

A murder with a big mouth. Will god panish him...

[Curt1591]

Love for him to join up in the streets.

[mca]

A good man that not prepared to sit idly by while and watch evil succeed.

Fair point waza mate if you're talking about Bruce Wayne but what about Suthep?

[whybother]

Why does he is not in jail, yet?

A murder with a big mouth. Will god panish him...

Murderer?

If you're talking about 2010, that's going through court. He won't go to jail until/unless he is convicted. Come back in 10 years to see where that is up to.

If it's something else, please enlighten me.

[Halion]

So he says they won't act like red shirts but then openly calls for the seizure of town halls the length and breadth of the country. Are peaceful demonstrators both able and allowed to do that?

He's already started on a war footing with that announcement. the unknown factor is how much support he'll get nationwide. If yellow-associated anti-gov demos of recent months have been anything to go by, he might get away with occupying a few car parks and maybe a restaurant or two.

Where is the violence in sitting on steps and in offices?

Sent from my HTC Desire HD A9191 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

The violence would only come if those people were legally asked to leave but didn't. There are precedents for this happening.

Would you not agree that having lots of people sitting on steps and offices in civic administrative centers would cause a hindrance to the proper running of those places?

The proper running of such places is what this is all about not the corrupt nepotism that the PTP evokes for efficient administration.

[Artisi]

His endeavor is justifiably valid but I do not think he will be very successful. He is tarred with the recent political mess along with all the other main players of the last 13 odd years. The only person currently in view out of all the main players that has the peoples following that could lead a major change in Thailand for the better is the forked tongue of a Dubai convicted criminal. Great leaders or game changers do not need to be professionally efficient. Sometimes all they need is a vision of something that could be a lot better. However the pretty drama queen puppet would need to find the strength and wisdom that water views clearer than that of blood.

Do you really believe that a convicted fugitive resident o/seas could lead Thailand towards a change for the better. It would be interesting to get your view on this as to whether the change for the better would be prior to him further lining his and his family pockets with the spoils of the country or after he has raped the country blind and eradicated all his adversaries'.

A simple answer would be appreciated.

[Baerboxer]

A good man that not prepared to sit idly by while and watch evil succeed.

At one time the West thought Saddam Hussein was a good man - when he was fighting the Iranians. Lesser of two evils was maybe the perception of the time.

Just saying...............

[Baerboxer]

His endeavor is justifiably valid but I do not think he will be very successful. He is tarred with the recent political mess along with all the other main players of the last 13 odd years. The only person currently in view out of all the main players that has the peoples following that could lead a major change in Thailand for the better is the forked tongue of a Dubai convicted criminal. Great leaders or game changers do not need to be professionally efficient. Sometimes all they need is a vision of something that could be a lot better. However the pretty drama queen puppet would need to find the strength and wisdom that water views clearer than that of blood.

and would the major change that the Dubai convicted criminal make be good for the country - I think emphatically NOT!!!!

Thailand has been controlled by a relatively small number of families for generations. These families are fantastically wealthy, look to every opportunity to increase their wealth and place themselves above any laws whatsoever.

Would Dr. Thaksin change that - yes, probably if he could. But, sadly not for the benefit of all the people. Simply to put his clan top of the pile.

The Thai people really are faced with Hobson's choice.

[fab4]

Stupid old fool.

[jbrain]

So he says they won't act like red shirts but then openly calls for the seizure of town halls the length and breadth of the country. Are peaceful demonstrators both able and allowed to do that?

He's already started on a war footing with that announcement. the unknown factor is how much support he'll get nationwide. If yellow-associated anti-gov demos of recent months have been anything to go by, he might get away with occupying a few car parks and maybe a restaurant or two.

Where is the violence in sitting on steps and in offices?

Sent from my HTC Desire HD A9191 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

The violence would only come if those people were legally asked to leave but didn't. There are precedents for this happening.

Would you not agree that having lots of people sitting on steps and offices in civic administrative centers would cause a hindrance to the proper running of those places?

i get your point.

The violence would start when law enforcers get violent because they can't handle a peaceful protest .

Edited October 26, 2013 by jbrain

[rfukata]

Suthep and Thaksin both should be in exile.

[Samaaw]

Monkey see - Monkey do !!

[h90]

So he says they won't act like red shirts but then openly calls for the seizure of town halls the length and breadth of the country. Are peaceful demonstrators both able and allowed to do that?

He's already started on a war footing with that announcement. the unknown factor is how much support he'll get nationwide. If yellow-associated anti-gov demos of recent months have been anything to go by, he might get away with occupying a few car parks and maybe a restaurant or two.

Where is the violence in sitting on steps and in offices?

Sent from my HTC Desire HD A9191 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

The violence would only come if those people were legally asked to leave but didn't. There are precedents for this happening.

Would you not agree that having lots of people sitting on steps and offices in civic administrative centers would cause a hindrance to the proper running of those places?

i get your point.

The violence would start when law enforcers get violent because they can't handle a peaceful protest .

Peaceful demonstrators don't have the means to shot army officers. Usually they don't come with AKA47.

[jbrain]

The violence would only come if those people were legally asked to leave but didn't. There are precedents for this happening.

Would you not agree that having lots of people sitting on steps and offices in civic administrative centers would cause a hindrance to the proper running of those places?

i get your point.

The violence would start when law enforcers get violent because they can't handle a peaceful protest .

Peaceful demonstrators don't have the means to shot army officers. Usually they don't come with AKA47.

I suggest you read the OP again. this is not about the red scum during the 2010 protests, but some future peaceful protests to oust the red scum that is now governing the country.

Nobody was talking about protestors shooting at army officers in this thread.

[MobileContent]

Can remember the Suthep Phuket Land Scam under the leadership of Chuan Lekpai. Suthep has always been the main financier of the Democrat Party that's why he got the Ministry of Communication Portfolio.

He was not convicted because he case was heard in the Southern courts. If the charges against Thaksin would have been in a Northern or Northeast Court they would have been dropped as well.

Let him go to the streets if he likes and if violence pops up let him be treated in the same way he treated the red shirts when he was in charge of security.

Democrats are actually the guys that divide the people's to get the army involved.

Without army they wouldn't win an election any way. They won once under Chuan in the last 30 years. The record speaks for itself.

[jbrain]

Can remember the Suthep Phuket Land Scam under the leadership of Chuan Lekpai. Suthep has always been the main financier of the Democrat Party that's why he got the Ministry of Communication Portfolio.

He was not convicted because he case was heard in the Southern courts. If the charges against Thaksin would have been in a Northern or Northeast Court they would have been dropped as well.

Let him go to the streets if he likes and if violence pops up let him be treated in the same way he treated the red shirts when he was in charge of security.

Democrats are actually the guys that divide the people's to get the army involved.

Without army they wouldn't win an election any way. They won once under Chuan in the last 30 years. The record speaks for itself.

And why won Chuan that election ?

Answer : because Chavalit, one of Thaksin's good friends, had bankrupt the country and most of the ministers including Thaksin had carried crates of money out of the country

As soon as Chuan had corrected the situation, the majority of the voters wanted back some populist government.

These are the pleasures of having a population from which the majority is uneducated.

Edited October 26, 2013 by jbrain